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A&P tax revenue up for ’09 |
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Thursday, 11 June 2009 |
Collections from Benton’s 1.5 percent advertising and promotion tax continue to increase.
Jill Jones, executive director of the A & P Commission, told City Council members Monday night that the tax revenue increased 9 percent between April 2008 and April 2009.
Collections through April 2008 totaled $245,682 and this year totaled $266,242, representing an additional $6,110, Jones said.
She noted that the commission’s bank balance as of April 30 was $682,715.94.
In a review of recent events, Jones told the aldermen that a joint promotional campaign involving the cities of Benton and Bryant is concluding.
She pointed out that the “Live in Benton Bryant” Web site has been “generating approximately 400 hits per week.”
“There’s been a lot of positive feedback on the efforts,” she said, adding that a similar promotion is planned for late summer.
On another issue, Jones noted that the final economic report for the proposed Central Arkansas Fairplex has been received and said she hopes to conduct a detailed presentation for the council at its next meeting.
A Web site dealing with the proposed structure is expected to be complete within the next month, she said.
“It is being built in-house,” Jones said. The Web site is www.arkansasfairplex.com
Several recent events have focused positive attention on the city, Jones said.
Among these is the display of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial, temporarily situated at the entrance to City Hall.
She said the procession of firefighters, police officers and others that escorted the memorial to the city was inspirational. The memorial will remain on display here until June 20 when it goes temporarily to Hot Springs.
The monument’s final and permanent location will be the state Capitol grounds.
Jones also referred to an exhibit of Roy Rogers memorabilia at the Gann Museum of Saline County.
“This has enjoyed a very popular opening so far,” she said.
The exhibit is expected to remain in place for several months. The museum is on South Market Street, adjacent to White’s Furniture Co.
Jones mentioned the recent Wally Hall’s Tournament of Champions, which was “very successful despite a partial rain-out on the third day.”
In addition, she referred to the city’s inclusion in a Spirit of Arkansas Tour sponsored by KATV-Channel 7.
“We had a great turnout at Dan’s I-30 Diner for the KATV appearance in the final stop of the tour, which involved a five-week tour of Arkansas cities,” Jones said.
Jones said she has added Stephanie Dillavou as an administrative assistant to her staff, which previously included only Jones.
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